Monday, June 20, 2016

The Ringmaster's Wife

GIVEAWAY

CAMBRON, KRISTY
THE RINGMASTER'S WIFE

An ounce of courage. A leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life -- one that's reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World's Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny -- a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling boards a ship to American as a last adventure before her arranged marriage. There, the twenties are roaring and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund's path crosses with Mable's and the Ringling's glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, choosing instead the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brother's circus.

A novel that is at once captivating, deeply poignant, and swirling with exquisite historical details of a bygone world, The Ringmaster's Wife will escort readers into the center ring, with its bright lights, exotic animals, and a dazzling performance that can only be described as the Greatest Show on Earth!

My Review:

A unique blend of biography and fiction makes this a truly captivating read. Cambron's talent for bringing history to life really enhances the story. I was as enamoured with the real life hero and heroine as I was with the fictional ones. And the circus setting makes a magnificent and unusual backdrop for both romance and mystery.

The Ringmaster's Wife is divided into time periods -- not really a dual timeline kind of book though -- more like flashbacks that bring Mable and John's story up to the 1920's where they mesh with Rosamund's. I was a bit confused at the beginning so just make sure to read the chapter headings which distinguish time and location and that will keep things clear.

This is a book with two distinct heroines who require equal billing. And interesting to note that their stories are exact opposites in some respects. Mable goes from rags to riches -- a poor farm girl with nothing but dreams who sets out to make something of her life and ends up romanced by a wealthy showman. Through her marriage to John, she becomes one of America's 'royalty'. Meanwhile, Rosamund comes from British titled wealth but shrugs off her perfect pedigree in order to chase her own dreams. I love the fact that both women set out to live the life of their choosing --- not the one society tries to foist upon them. And, of course, the exceptional men who encourage them.

Though this novel lacks an inspirational thread, there is a wonderful motivational message about finding the courage to follow your dreams. Both Mable and Rosamund overcome incredible odds to achieve their goals. I adored the wisdom that comes from Mable's life experience. She never takes on airs but is always open to providing opportunities to assist people to rise above their circumstances. She plays such a pivotal role in the lives of both Colin and Rosamund. I love the way her generous spirit brought out the best in both of them. Everyone needs someone to believe in them the way Mable does.

A fascinating glimpse into the drama, tragedy and triumphs of life under the big top.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity for providing me with a copy of this book.


GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Ringmaster's Wife please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 26 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

59 comments:

  1. I, too, really enjoyed the Hidden Masterpieces collection, and have been eagerly awaiting Kristy's new book. Sounds intriguing!

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really different -- love it when an author finds a fresh way to spin a story. Good luck, Rachael.

      Delete
  2. The big top will make a good setting for this book. It sounds like a lot of drama going on there.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very interesting. Thanks for offering this book.
    teshaw(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  4. I so want to read this book. The cover is eye-catching as well as the title.
    karenskrayonsATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great review Kav! I am intrigued by the circus topic here. Thanks for the giveaway.
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a unique backdrop for sure. Good luck, Loraine.

      Delete
  6. Sounds like yet another amazing book from the talented Kristy Cambron!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have heard some good things about this one!
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  8. She's a talented author. Good luck, Kate.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love how it tells two sides of the same story. Besides being fascinated that it deals with such a widely known circus show. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance!

    freda.mans[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Ringling history is really fascinating. Good luck, fredamans.

      Delete
  10. I've been wanting to read this book ever since I first heard about it!!! :)

    rosebudsinjune at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely a must-read if you love historicals. Good luck, Deborah.

      Delete
  11. Oh my! I can't wait to read this. Been waiting to read this one.

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I LOVE Kristy's books. I can't wait to read this one.
    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love Kristy's stories! Have been watching for this one. Hope I win!! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  14. This has been on my to-read list for awhile. So glad you're offering it here, Kav!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's well worth the read. Good luck, Cheryl.

      Delete
  15. Kristy Cambron is a wonderful author. The Ringmaster's Wife sounds like a fascinating story in a historical time period that is not often written about. The dual story-line also sounds intriguing! I can't wait to read this book!

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The whole Ringling's angle is fascinating. Good luck, agboss.

      Delete
  16. It was very interesting to watch Kristy's video tour of the house where the Ringlings lived. If you want to see them, go to her website, then click on books, then The Ringmaster's Wife and scroll down to the videos. She sure made me want to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win it.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thanks for the tip, Pam. I'll do that. Good luck!

      Delete
  17. This book sounds like a real gem and though I am not familiar with the author, the mix of fact, fiction and history has me intrigued. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You won't be disappointed, Diane. Good luck!

      Delete
  18. I'm swooning! This book is in my NEED to read list! Congrats on having a chance to review what sounds to be a fabulous book. Thank you for giving us the opportunity. breannaherron(at) iCloud(dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you get to read it soon, BreAnna. Good luck.

      Delete
  19. Kristy Cambron has quickly become a must-read author for me, and the amount of research she conducts for each book is impressive. Your review makes me even more eager to read The Ringmaster's Wife! Thanks for hosting this giveaway. volunteerval [at] aol [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, her research is impeccable. Good luck, Valerie.

      Delete
  20. Her books are so good. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love Kristy Cambron's writing and the covers are simply art. Please include me in your giveaway! Thanks!
    kellysshining(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. This book sounds really interesting. Thank you for the review. Please drop my name into the ring!
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've been dropped, Karen. Hope it didn't hurt. :-) Good luck.

      Delete
  23. I've not read any of Kristy's books, but this sounds interesting!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She knows how to spin a compelling tale. Good luck, Patty.

      Delete
  24. I enjoy reading books that are set in the "Roaring Twenties", the cars, the costumes, the dances, everything about that time period.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wasn't as fascinated by it until Downton Abbey -- and then I realized what an incredible time in history it was. So many changes -- kind of a golden period between the world wars. Good luck, Library Lady.

      Delete
  25. Wow your review makes me really want to read this book!! The time period is an interesting one. Thank you!
    dguz55 AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have never read a book that has the circus in it. I would love to win it! Becky adult4becky AT aol Dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm reading The Butterfly and the Violin and Cambron writes beautifully! I'm very curious about the circus aspect of this one! :) bluerosesheart at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This one is such a switch up from The Butterfly and the Violin. Good luck, Bluerose.

      Delete
  28. I've heard Kristy's writing is phenomenal! Her other two books "The Butterfly & Violin" and "The Sparrow in Terezin" are on my radar for future reads. Sounds like they are definite must read books along with this one! Circus historical is certainly unique!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a really unique book and very different from her other books. Good luck, Trixi.

      Delete
  29. I've heard so many wonderful things about this book, I can't wait to read it for myself!! alander87 (at) allcom (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  30. Yay, new Kristy Cambron!
    The cover is just beautiful and the story seems intriguing.

    Count me in, please!

    janka(dot)halcinova(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete